Jedburgh showcases Burns link

A new exhibition in Jedburgh looks at the connection the royal burgh has with national bard Robert Burns, writes Sally Gillespie.

The poet stayed in the town in May 1787 while on his tour of the Borders and was given the freedom of the burgh.

A Scottish Borders Council spokesperson said: “He was impressed by the town – describing its gardens, orchards and fine old ruins in his journal, as well a number of local people. He fell in love with a local girl called Isabella Lindsay who lived at Mary, Queen of Scots’ House and this added to his sadness when it was time to leave Jedburgh.”

The exhibition in the Bob Mason Room at Jedburgh Castle Jail includes his burgess ticket and a cup Burns used when he visited Queen Street haulier and livery stables owner George Waugh, and which the family kept as a memento.

Other souvenirs are also on show along with Jedburgh Burns Club memorabilia, including Burns supper programmes, greetings cards sent and received, and an old treasurer’s book dating back to 1871 when the club was founded.